The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1887-01-27

"and you had better let US try to mako your
friend comfortable here rather than expose
him to that uncertainty in his weak con
dltion. We will do our best for him.
My sister is dying for an opportunity to
show her skill in surgery she continued,
with aR unexpected mischievousness that only
added to Kate's surprised embarrassment
"Arciit you, Katea"
Equivocal as the young girl knew her
silence appeared, she was unable to utter the
simplest polite evasion. Some unaccountable
impulse kept her constrained and speeches..
The stranger did not, however, wait for her
reply, but, casting swift, hurried glance
around the room, said, "It's impossible; we
must go. Intact, I've already taken the lib.
erty to order the horses round. They are at
the door now. You may bo certain" be
added with quick earnestness, suddenly lift
ing his dark eyes to Mrs. Hale, and as rapidly
withdrawing them, "that your horse viii be
returned at once, and-and--we won't forget
your kindness" He stopped and turned to-
ward the hall "I-I have brought my
friend down stairs. He wants to thank you
before he goes"
AS he remained standing In the hall the
two women stepped to the door. To their
surprise, half reclining on a cane sofa, was
the wounded man, and what could be seen of
his slight figure was wrapped in a dark
serspe. His beardless face gave him quaint
boyishness quite inconsistent with the mature
lines of bis temples and forehead. Pale, and
In pain as he evidently was, his blue eyes
twinkleG with intense amusement. Not only
did his manner offer q maeked contrast to
ths somber uneasiness Of his companion, but
he seemed to be the only one perfectly at his
ease in the group around him.
ats rather rough making you come out
here to see me OFF, he said, with not un-
musical laugh that was very infectious, "but
Ned there, who carried me downstairs,
wanted to tote me round the house in his
arms like baby to say ta-ta TO you all. Ex-
cuse my not rising, but feel as uncertain be-
low as a mermaid, and as out Of my ele-
ment,n he added, with mischievous glance
at his friend. Med concluded must go on.
But must say good-by to the old lady first.
All! here she is"
To Kate's complete bewilderment not only
did the utter familiarity Of this speech pass
unnoticed and unrebuked by her sister, but
actually her own mother advanced quickly
with every expression Of lively sympathy,
and with the authority of her years and an
almost maternal anxiety endeavored to dis
suade the invalid from going "This is not
my house." she said, looking at her daugh-
- r .L1 81
leaving, not only tonight, but until you
were out of danger Josephinel Katel
What are you thinking of to permit it'
Well, then, forbid it-there"
Had they become suddenly insane, or were
they bewitchei by this morose intruder and
his insufferably familiar confidantl The
man was wounded, it was true; they might
have to put him up in common humanity
but here was her austere mother, who
wouldn't come in the room when Whisky
Dick called on business actually pressing
both of the invalid's hands, while her sister,
who never extended a finger to the ordinary
visiting humanity of the neighborhood,
looked on with evident complacency.
The wounded man suddenly raised Mrs.
Scott's ha,ld to his lips, kissed it gently, and
with his smile quite vanished, endeavored tc
rise to his feet. ats of no use-we must go
| Give me your arm, Ned. Quickl Are the
horses therel"
"Dear me-" said Mrs. Scott quickly, a
forgot to say the horse cannot be found any
where Manuel must have taken him thi'
morning to look up the stock. But be vii
be back tonight certainly, and if to-mor
| row.
The wounded man sank back to q sitting
! position. "Is Manuel your mani" he asked
grimly.
eyes"
The two men exchanged glances.
"Marked on his left cheek and drinks
good dealg'
EYES," said Kate, finding her voice
"Why!"
The amused look came back to the man
eyes. @That kind Of man isn't safe to wal
for. We must take our own horse, Ned. Ar
you readys"
"Yesn
The wounded man again attempted to rise
He fell back, but this time quite heavily. II
had tainted
Involuntarily and simultaneously the thre
women rushed to his side. ale cannot go,
said Kate, suddenly.